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Seems as if you are online, solely, and your married (to someone different) and you live far away from each other, there's not a whole lot that could work -- I'm sure there are cases where it has. Long distance is hard enough by itself. Marriage with an added emotional connection not with your spouse, certainly difficult. Add in possible guilt for screwing around on your spouse, literally or figuratively, and on family time, if someone is doing that, and doubly triply and more hard. Throw online meeting but possibly not in person dissatisfaction into all that mix. I guess there are people who thrive in an environment like this, definitely those who enjoy messing with others for pretend. But for the ones who try it and have been hurt by it, the deck seems to be stacked for failure unless your together physically and have zilch commitment to another so/spouse in your life.

I don't know where I sit on this debate, as I have no experience to support an opinion. I suppose it's possible to be successful and satisfying, as long as expectations are discussed and agreed to.

I found my first blush at answering this, and still have to say that expectations need to be discussed, and potentially agreed upon.

For many, our sig. other may not be there for us emotionally, physically, etc. As social media, on-line forums (like this) make it easy to cross paths with people, I guess it's possible to find a spark, a 'thing' ... and feel compelled to dive deeper for private connection of some sort. Something could come of it, be it friendship, relationship advice, or just expressions of the physical (flirting to varying degrees). Romance though? Surely that must come over a period of time ...

All of this said, a question that comes to mind is: Is online romance a bandaid for what's missing, or an avenue to a new life?

I will stick with my original statement I made awhile back, but by the same token, sometimes both parties are okay with the fantasy... and that's perfectly okay... it's when two people are on two different pages when things take a turn for the worse.. I made the mistake of thinking that most of what people said in an online relationship was serious.. and in truth most of the time it's just a vent to bring into their lives something that's missing until they can return to their lives where it will still be missing. It can't be a matter of trying to pull someone else into your dream world ...just because you want to use someone... and make them think it's more than it is. I've almost always known my situation was going to end at some point... so I tried to maintain an open communication about that... the problem is that it always became more of a reality when it actually happened and I met face to face... Even though some might think they're ready for that real situation, most don't think it through and wind up turning back the page.. instead of trying to turn the page to a new chapter. I don't hold any hard feelings, it's just difficult to trust anyone when someone tells you one thing for many months... and then retreats back to the beginning where everything they've said is negated. I don't believe most people know exactly what they want.. and even if they did want something real.. I don't think they have the courage to look for it to start online.

Life is a lot like a p****s - soft, relaxed and hanging free... then a woman makes it hard.